The cash assistance programs in New Mexico are operated by the Human Service Department and local Family Community Resource Centers. There are two options available for families who are struggling to make ends meet. The first option is TANF welfare, which is for very low income families (or single mothers or fathers) with children. The second option is General Assistance (GA), which is for households with disabled members. The money can be used for things like housing, food, medical bills, and other important costs.
The Family Community Resource Center is the best place to go to learn more about what resources are available to residents of New Mexico. There are case managers who will help with the application process, provide information on how much the average monthly payment will be, and discuss other terms and conditions. There is more information about the two programs below.
Type of cash assistance programs in New Mexico
This program is for families who are struggling to make ends meet. It provides temporary financial assistance to help with basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. A household is provided with a monthly payment on a debit EBT card or their bank account. The amount of money the government gives out each month will be different depending on how many people are in the family. The average payment in New Mexico is $335 a month.
TANF funds can be used to pay for necessary expenses like housing and food. The funds help parents stay with their children and keep the household together. There may be money to pay for expenses such as the rent or mortgage payments, or the groceries the family needs to eat. Other money can be used to pay for utility or heating bills. The New Mexico TANF program will cover expenses related to education and employment, such as gasoline, clothing, and car repairs.
Applications for government assistance are done at the Family Community Resource Centers, which is part of the Human Services Department. The staff will explain the payment amounts and calculate them for you. Most TANF programs require that participants work or participate in training or education activities in order to receive benefits. Finding a job and being able to support oneself is stressed. The applying household must have a child who is under 18 and is enrolled in school. The process of applying and being approved for something can take up to 45 days.
Households that have a disabled member can also apply for financial assistance. The New Mexico General Assistance program helps low-income residents with basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. This financial aid is only for families with very low incomes. This program cannot be combined with the TANF grant; it operates independently.
If the applicant receives SSI from the federal government, this will generally exclude them from receiving General Assistance from the state of New Mexico. However, the Human Service Department may be able to make some exceptions in certain cases. The applicant must be a disabled adult with one or more children at home. There are many other financial assistance programs for disabled people at the national and regional levels.
Many disabled households in New Mexico have low incomes and can benefit greatly from free cash assistance. The government provides financial assistance to disabled people to help cover the cost of their basic needs, such as housing, food and utilities. Some examples of medical supplies that people may need are things like medication, crutches, wheelchairs, and even things to make their homes more accessible.
Applications to New Mexico TANF or General Cash Assistance
The Family Community Resource Centers have case managers who can help residents apply for assistance. The counselors will explain the income requirements, use calculators to figure out the monthly payment, and offer other assistance. They can also review other benefits, like food stamps or low-income housing, in addition to cash assistance. If you need help, you can go to a center or call the New Mexico Human Service helpline at (800) 432-6217.